Those who live with trees in their garden and surrounding neighbourhoods will already know that a comprehensive maintenance plan involves pruning trees and removing dead or dying branches, as well as occasionally felling trees and removing them from their stump.
And while this might be the recommended course of action from your local tree surgeon, it can be difficult to correlate this approach to maintenance with environmental benefits and protecting the environment. To clear up some common client questions, we asked local tree surgeons in Essex to talk through the environmental benefits of tree maintenance services.
Diagnosing Disease and Safeguarding Other Trees
A major part of tree care and maintenance concerns common diseases, which can wipe out entire species of trees unless the correct action is taken.
Some common diseases that affect trees in the UK include ash dieback, Dutch elm disease and acute oak decline – all of which target specific species and can be brought in via imported species, killing our native trees and damaging entire species subsections. There are 19 different pests and diseases that are currently attacking our native trees in the UK, six of which are at epidemic levels with 11 more threatening our borders.
The correct level of tree maintenance not only helps to diagnose and reverse the impact of these diseases as quickly as possible but also provides support in planting native trees that help to build back some of the structures lost through disease.
Following Strict Schedules Around Seasonal Maintenance
One of the most important parts of tree maintenance isn’t the work itself, but rather fitting maintenance tasks around the growing calendar.
It’s crucial that all pruning, felling, and groundwork is done at the right time according to the growing season and when nesting birds are using trees for protection. Formal tree maintenance services, as performed by a professional team, will manage work in line with these factors.
While we’re on the topic of strict schedules, it’s also important to recognise the role of Tree Protection Orders and the impact they have on the environmental standing of trees and their maintenance schedules. Every project is different with regards to TPOs and local requirements, with your local tree surgeons able to offer tailored advice as it’s required.
The Role of Professional Tree Surgeons
When it comes to ensuring that all tree maintenance is carried out in a way which is considered environmentally friendly, we cannot overstate the role of professional tree surgeons.
Trained to work safely at height, recognising the signs of damage and disease and offering advice on caring for and sourcing native trees that will adapt to your environment, tree surgeons combine expertise with practical skills. They can carry out maintenance tasks on a regular basis throughout the year, respecting nature’s calendar and ensuring that your outside space remains a haven for both wildlife and diverse tree life.
To find out more about tree maintenance and what services are required throughout the year, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local team.